The Hero And The Villain

Someone or something the main character needs to contend with to overcome some internal or external struggle they are facing.

This could be an individual

A personal addiction

It could be distractions or you could even view time as the villain in your story.

The point is, in so many ways, this story plot plays out over and over again in your daily life, often without realising

In your story, you are the hero, the main character.

And like the main character in any film or piece of literature, you are faced with a nemesis of some sort.

But how often do you take the time to identify whom or what this nemesis is?

If you are to be the hero in your story, what challenges do you now need to overcome to finally set yourself free?

This is the question you should be asking yourself, and once realised, you'll also begin to appreciate that every good story also has a guide to help you get to where you need to be.

Some kind of mentor figure that helps you contend with all the challenges that you’re experiencing.

This is Yoda in Star Wars or Miyagi in the Karate Kid.

Meaning, you were never actually meant to figure this stuff out on your own, it’s just not how it works.

This script, this narrative, this structure is as old and inherent as humanity itself.

Witnessed thousands of times in myths and fables, transcending both culture and time.

Your life is a story made up of acts and you are a character playing your part.

It’s built into how you are wired.

It’s why the film industry is so big, why literature has had the impact it has and why religions resonate with us so deeply.

This narrative structure is built into the subconscious, or as Carl Jung re-iterates, it exists in the ‘collective unconscious’.

We recognise the themes when we see them, but we don’t necessary know why – but we know they mean something, because they keep us engaged.

It’s formulaic, part of your DNA.

It’s why the story of hero and villain resonates so strongly.

The point is, this life, your life, is your story and you have to play your part.

You need to recognise the villains, the struggles, the challenges, the internal and sometimes external battles you need to overcome - and you need to also be able to recognise those stretching out their hand to guide you.

But at the end of the day, you are the one that needs to be ready and willing to accept the challenge - be willing to

accept guidance, recognising your own limitations.

Maintaining a clear picture of what life looks like if you succeed and an equally clear picture of what life looks like, if you shy away from your responsibilities.